Kyrie Courter Photo by Jeff Butchen

Presented without a multi-million dollar budget, in a regional theatre production, the musical seems less strong than it did on Broadway. That said, A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut's staging definitely has its heart in the right place and features a terrific, hardworking cast. Director Robert W. Schneider and choreographer Caitlin Belcik do their best to keep the musical on the move, though things can still get, unfortunately, muddled.

But the two actresses in the central roles of sisters Elsa and Anna (portrayed, respectively, by Kyrie Courter and Leigh Ellen Jones) bring gorgeous voices and truly wonderful acting to their parts. So, even if it isn't consistently buoyant, this production will certainly satisfy its target audience.

On an attractive set designed by Matthew Imhoff, the show begins with the sisters as children and both Ellie Lila, as Young Elsa, and Frankie Lou Lauderdale, as Young Anna, are charming and entirely winning. The opening scenes work very well and the big song for the girls, "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?," is infectious, But, once Frozen gets to the moment when the adult Elsa becomes queen and reveals the secret powers that she has long concealed the musical becomes troubled. Without the spectacular special effects the show had in abundance on Broadway, Frozen must rely on its plot, which ultimately comes up short.

Still, these problems are not the fault of the production but rather of the musical itself. The performers have been very well cast and manage to keep Frozen enjoyable. As mentioned, Kyrie Courter and Leigh Ellen Jones are all you could ask for as the two sisters, whose bond is enormously endearing. Also doing well is the delightful Jalon Matthews as Kristoff, and Katelyn Lauria is a pleasure taking on the part of the snowman, Olaf. Brody Redman is nicely fairy-tale prince-like as Hans and displays a fine voice in the comical duet with Jones, "Love Is an Open Door."

The big number, "Let It Go," sung by a majestic Courter, is the goosebump-inducing first act finale, and other good songs include the lovely "For the First Time in Forever" and the emotional "I Can't Lose You." Led by the masterful musical director Jenna Mee Dosch, the score is very well served in this production. Also enhancing this show is the work of costume designer Travis M. Grant, whose creations are luminous, and the lighting design by Jack Mehler is wonderfully effective.

Without big, flashy effects, such songs as the second act opening, "Hygge," and the number, "Fixer-Upper" tend to weigh the whole show down. Nevertheless, this production of Frozen wears its heart on its sleeve and the final conclusion between the sisters is undeniably moving. This musical certainly has a built-in following and the many young girls in the audience at the performance I attended seemed entranced throughout. Whatever problems are inherent in the musical, A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut's production of Frozen is almost sure leave a lump in your throat and, as such, it is recommended to bring tissues with you.

Frozen runs through March 15, 2026, at A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut, 36 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.actofct.org or call 475-215-5433.